In partnership with the Children & Nature Network and the National League of Cities, Western Reserve Land Conservancy and its partners are implementing Nature Everywhere in northeast Ohio. Previously called Cities Connecting Children to Nature, Nature Everywhere provides access to tools, resources, and a national peer learning network of leaders, who share successful strategies for connecting children to the benefits to nature.
The Land Conservancy and a group of stakeholders* in our region are working to create equitable access to nature for children living in urban areas. Initially, we are focusing on the city of Cleveland, but our long-term goal is to implement this initiative throughout northeast Ohio.
As an initial step, our cohort has decided to establish a Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights (COBOR) in Cleveland. The COBOR aims to list the nature experiences that every child has the right to enjoy as they grow up in our region. It will serve as our framework as we strive to make these nature activities a reality for children.
In 2024, we distributed a survey to Cleveland residents, children as well as adults, asking them what they like to do when they spend time outside. We are currently reviewing the data collected by that survey with students in AP Environmental Science at John Marshall High School. Working with these students, we are developing a COBOR that reflects the interests of kids in Cleveland. We plan to have the students present Cleveland’s COBOR to Cleveland City Council in spring 2025.
Sincere thank you to members of our nature-based and community-focused stakeholder group
Akron Parks Collaborative
Bellaire Puritas CDC
Boys & Girls Club NE Ohio
City of Cleveland, Office of Youth and Family Services
Cleveland Metroparks
Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Cleveland Public Library
Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga SWCD
Drink Local, Drink Tap
Famicos Foundation
Footpath Foundation
Holden Forests & Gardens
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
Nature Spark
Organic Connects
Slavic Village CDC
Speakezie Go Hard!
St. Clair/Superior CDC
SYATT
Trust for Public Land
Western Reserve Land Conservancy
Youth Opportunities Unlimited